80 prisoners left Osaka approx 5 PM on October
19th, 1942 for a third POW camp. These 78 American from Guam
and two Australians-- transferred earlier along with 70 other
men from Zentsuji to Osaka-- were designated as "trouble
makers" by the Japanese. Leaving Osaka via railroad, they
traveled 5 hours westward along the northern coast of the Inland
Sea to Himeji.

Upon arrival, and were marched west to Hirohata and north to
Camp Hirohata #1, a house in the middle of a rice paddy. They
were about 3 miles away from the Inland Sea where they began
hard labor at a mill.
15 Sep 1943: The men men moved to new camp, Hirohata #2 (Osaka
Camp #12), picture on left. [Ercanbrack, Leininger, Reed affidavits]

First Official notice of camp submitted
by International Red Cross [Cablegram
No 370, 24 Mar 1943 Intercrioxtouge 5589, NARA RG389, Box 2130]
"camp is 8 K from Himeji (population 200,000); total area-
1530 square meters, building area - 930 square meters. Six barracks
[only two] of wooden frame with mud and plaster. Ventilation
good, heating still available from five to seven p.m.
"Taps, bath with water pumped from well. Six latrines. Canteen
in this camp is well supplied and food for prisoners here is
more abundant than in other camps. Kitchen had 6 cauldrons and
food is cooked by 1 Navy cook and three assistants.
"---prisoners have hikes in country on Sundays. ....two
slight work accidents, ... and no deaths.